STEM/STEAM Learning in Arizona

learning objectives

Support Equitable Classrooms in AZ

Driven by a mission to ensure academic equity for all students, the Arizona Department of Education (AZED) has designed a strategic plan to improve these five key elements in their schools by 2026:

Student Equity & Achievement
Educator Recruitment & Retention
Safe & Healthy Schools
Strategic Funding
Strategic Data Use

The AZED’s plan acknowledges that supporting students means supporting the adults around them, including educators, administrators, school staff, and community members. Project-based STEM solutions like SmartLab Learning—which includes in-depth facilitator training in its framework—can help educators improve learning outcomes for Arizona’s most vulnerable student populations.

SmartLab Learning In Arizona

Project-Based Learning Engages All

Through hands-on, minds-on instruction, SmartLab Learning Solutions contextualize core concepts for Arizonan learners of all abilities while aligning with core education principles.

Personalized Learning Engagements: The SmartLab is a place that prioritizes equity over equality. Facilitators are equipped to personalize STEM/STEAM course content that engages each student—so that, regardless of their process, learners succeed alongside their peers. | Learn More

Teaching the Whole Child: SmartLab Learning environments hold space for learners of all backgrounds, lived experiences, and social-emotional needs to build toward solutions together. | Learn More

Supporting Intervention Efforts: By making authentic connections to course content, all SmartLab learners can discover wonder in the classroom. | Learn More

Post-Secondary Preparedness: Through hands-on, collaborative problem-solving, SmartLab learners develop next-generation skills including effective communication, critical thinking, and diplomacy. | Learn More

See SmartLab Research Foundation

smartlab Standards alignment

Academic Achievement in the Grand Canyon State

SmartLab STEM/STEAM Learning Solutions are in 70% or higher alignment with the following nationwide and state-specific standards:

Arizona Mathematics Standards: SmartLab Learners apply core mathematical concepts to solve problems they can see and feel. | Learn More

Next Generation Science Standards: Hands-on learning engagements bring core science concepts to three-dimensional life. | Learn More

International Society for Technology in Education Standards: Empowered with access to innovative tools—and the agency to explore their applications—students grow into their roles as digital citizens. | Learn More

SmartLabs in Arizona

Here are some Arizona schools and districts that have implemented SmartLab Learning solutions.

Discover Your Funding Options

The Creative Learning Systems team has helped public, private, rural, urban, large, and small schools secure funding.

ESSER for Public Schools

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund

EANS for Private Schools

Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools

Private Donors

Discover organizations committed to equitable learning opportunities.

Funding Through Grants

See Available Grants

eBook

Maximize ESSER Funding to Engage Students

Learn what to prioritize when applying for ESSER funding.

Learn More About ESSER for Public Schools

Connect

EANS Funding Can Support STEM Programs

Talk to a CLS Regional Sales Manager to learn how your private school can access the right funds.

Let’s Talk

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Our Partners

Equitable STEM Programming Made Possible

Meet the private donors working to make SmartLab Learning accessible to all.

Grants

Explore Active Grant Opportunities

You don’t have to go it alone — the CLS team can help you with the grant search and application process.

Active Grants & Funding Partners

These organizations and donors are working to improve access to STEM learning opportunities in the state of Arizona.

Arizona Public Service and Phoenix Suns Charities award grants to public and charter school teachers who introduce hands-on, innovative STEM concepts to their classrooms.

The Helios Education Foundation focuses on improving equitable opportunities for low-income and Latinx students in Arizona.

Maricopa Education Foundation funding is intended for supplemental learning solutions that enhance existing curricula and support student growth.

“Our students have had the opportunity to attend, learn, and create in our SmartLab HQ. I love seeing the excitement on the students’ faces as they interact with coding, engineering, and 3D printing to name a few. The students love to show off their learning with other students, parents, and staff. We are so fortunate to have a SmartLab at KMBE!”

Chasity Cruz

Principal, Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School | Queen Creek, AZ